Judgemental Pie

When I walk around our dining room, I do not see the numbers of bodies or the dollars in sales for the hour...I see familiar faces that I have come to know and love.  I know a bajillion names--the names of the guests, spouses, children, and grandchildren.  I know what their favorites sports are and what teams they support.  I know who just comes from a work out session, who went to mass, and who meets up with their fellow retired teachers.  Sometimes I am able to sit with my guests and talk to them about their health and how their life is in general.

Everyone knows my name.  They don't need to look at my nametag.  They all love to see Evelyn and Jake come in with me.  Jake is proud to have my regulars tell him how much I am loved (let's face it--I love it, too) so he can jokingly say, "Yes, she sure is something else!" 

Are you starting to understand what I have emotionally vested in my job?

Let's look at the HOURS I spend at work, learning about the different reports on how to best profit our business as well as provide the best service to our customers.  I am the only shift supervisor in our market that does all the scheduling and training for associates (that I know of).  I want to make our cafe a better place for our associates and our guests.

I took a two-day class on food safety so I could learn about all kinds of things that could potentially endanger your health.  We follow food safety code to the law--and we uphold company safety standards as well, which are even higher than county and state health codes.  We did this to ensure our guests are receiving the best quality products possible.

Why am I mentioning all this, you ask.  Well, several people have mistakenly commented to me within the last couple of months that restaurant work is below their standards for their children.  "Why don't you look for something better?"

I am proud to do the work that I do.  How dare you belittle that?  

Some are not so fortunate as me.  Some do not have college degrees, supportive family networks, or a second person contributing to the household.  Yes, some people work in the food industry because it is a means to an end and they have bills to pay...but why judge them for it?

I did not make poor life choices.  I could have found another job by now, but because I love my cafe and my company so much, I have chosen to this make my career for the time being.  I am no lawyer, doctor, or teacher, but that does not make me any less of a human being.  Insulting my profession to my face is in poor taste.  If after getting to know me, you see the passion that I bring to my position, acknowledge all my hard work, and still feel that I am a lesser being because I serve you food instead of doing your taxes, please let me know.

Love,

Sarah.